A mobile computing device executing software code interacts with a smart parking meter to permit the user to complete a parking transaction without the need to exit their car. The transaction proceeds digitally and confirmation of the purchase is sent to the user's smartphone or via other electronic message means. The user can access an interactive map via the parking application to provide real time status of the networked parking meters in a specific area. The user can view all meters meeting certain criteria, such as pricing and time to availability. The user can also reserve a particular parking space through the application. The user can further be directed to their car via map directions.